MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE LENHAM PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THE

7^TH OCTOBER, 2009, IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 7.30 p.m.

PRESENT         Cllr. N. Godfrey, Chairman presiding

                        Cllr. A. Barr, Vice-Chairman

                        Cllrs. L. Davison,  Miss S. Goodwin, M. Michaelas, M. Osborne,   I. Younger,

                        Mrs. P. Sutton (Clerk) and Mr. R. Sutton (RFO)

            B. Cllr. T. Sams.   Cllr. A. Laffan representing Harrietsham PC.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Mr. George queried when the damaged railings in Old Ashford Road would be repaired.   Cllr Davison replied that Kent Highways had experienced problems when letting the contract but the work should be done in the next week.

Mrs. Twyman queried when a litter bin and wall ash tray would be placed outside McColls.   B.Cllr Sams undertook to chase up. 

PC Kemsley detailed the six crimes reported since the August PC Meeting and it was noted that theft of car number plates was a problem.   He detailed various ongoing checks being undertaken by the Police.    He reported that the PCSO had been out on foot patrol regularly in the village.   Cllr. Barr said that there was now a lot of crime in the countryside and he was grateful for the work done by the Police.

The Community Warden reported that it had been relatively quiet over the past month.   He was, however, concerned at the speed of vehicles in Ham Lane/High Street in the mornings when children were being taken to school and the Clerk was asked to write to the Company concerned.

REPORT BY C.CLLR. JENNY WHITTLE  

The Clerk had circulated the report received from the C.Cllr.   Cllr. Barr was pleased to see that she was chasing up highway matters.

The Chairman declared the Meeting open at 7.50 p.m and welcomed B.Cllr. Sams and Cllr. Laffan from Harrietsham PC.

09/57

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

The Council accepted the reason for apology for absence from Cllrs. Greenwood, Bate, Crutcher,

B. Cllr. D. Marshall and C.Cllr. Jenny Whittle.   The Chairman reported the resignation of Cllr. Richards.    The Clerk had informed MBC and the required notice had been placed.

09/58

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Cllr. Barr declared an interest in Item 5Ba relating to Kent International Gateway and was not present during discussion.

09/59

MINUTES

The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on the 5^th August, 2009, were confirmed as a true record and it was RESOLVED that they be approved and adopted.

09/60

    A

    B

    C

    D

   E

    F

MATTERS ARISING

Vacancies on Parish Council  (09/43)   The Clerk reported that there had been no call for an election to fill the vacancy in the South Ward.    It was agreed that a notice be placed in Focus and on the Noticeboards advertising the vacancies and stating that the Parish Council would fill by co-option.

Speedwatch   (09/46B)    Cllr. Davison reported that funding from the Borough Cllrs and County Cllr was now in place.    He was in the process of arranging a meeting with the person running the scheme at Staplehurst to come and speak to the volunteers to ensure that people were still interested before spending money on the equipment.

Refurbishment of Lenham sign at end of Maidstone Rd   (09/47F)    The Chairman reported that he had asked a local window cleaner to clean the sign.   No charge had been made for this work but the man had suggested a donation be made to the Christmas Lighting Committee and it was RESOLVED that LPC donate £20.

LYPC:  Music Festival  (09/49)   The Chairman reported that he had asked members of the LYPC to attend to report on the Festival.   As no one was in attendance it was unclear how successful the event had been as no expenditure report had been forthcoming.   An invoice from the Security Services in the sum of £373.75 had been received and it was RESOLVED that this would be paid at the F & GP Committee.    The RFO queried if any outstanding money should be taken from LPC’s reserves and this was agreed.   The Chairman queried if the Parish Council wished to continue with the YPC as it was proving increasingly difficult for himself and Cllr. Younger to communicate with them.   Cllr. Michaelas undertook to take on the YPC work in place of Cllrs. Godfrey and Younger.

Lenham Market:  Update on attendance by P.Cllrs  (09/52)      Cllrs. discussed how this was progressing.   Following discussion it was agreed that the Parish Council would use a gazebo belonging to the Community Centre for a temporary period to allow any person speaking to a P.Cllr some degree of privacy    Further discussion followed on the wording for a pop-up sign and as agreed at the last PC meeting a sign would be purchased.   It was further agreed that two P.Cllrs. should be in attendance at each Market and the Clerk would circulate a revised rota.

Parish Plan Questionnaire:  Development of Emergency Plan  (09/56B)   The Clerk reported that Parishes would get as much help from KCC as required and it was up to individual Parishes how they proceeded.    Following discussion it was agreed that Cllr Goodwin would draft a Plan for consideration.

09/61

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES/SPOKESPERSONS

     A

Finance & General Purposes   The report of the Meeting held on the 19^th August, 2009, was received and it was RESOLVED that the recommendations contained therein be approved and adopted.  

     B

Planning   Cllr. Osborne referred to the meetings held on the 19^th August, 2^nd and 26^th September and 5^th October, 2009, copies of which had been circulated to all Cllrs.  

KIG     Cllr. Goodwin reported that the Public Inquiry would start on the 13^th October and would last approximately eight weeks.    The Joint Parishes Group had prepared various Proofs on different aspects which they would make representations on.   The JPG felt that Parishes should also speak stating how this would affect their Parish and it was agreed to decide nearer the time who would speak on behalf of LPC.   Cllr. Goodwin felt that it was important for as many people as possible to attend the Inquiry and she undertook to place a notice in Focus and on the website.    Cllr. Osborne thanked Cllr Goodwin for all the work that she had undertaken over the past few months.

     C

Parish Plan Steering Group   Cllr. Barr said there had not been a meeting since the last PC Meeting.   He reported the following:-

Local Development Framework   This had now come into the frame again and there was a need to keep a close eye on what was happening.

Website   This was continuing to be updated.

Len Valley Business Assn   Cllrs agreed the PC should continue to receive reports and Cllr. Barr undertook to enquire about the PC becoming an affiliated member.  

     D

Highways & Transport   Cllr. Davison reported the following:-

Spreadsheet   Problems were still being experienced.    Cllr. Barr was exasperated at the length of time Kent Highways were taking to get jobs done and referred to the lack of action in getting improvements at the Lenham Crossroads junction following the site meeting with Kent Highways earlier this year.

Dropped Kerbs   Funding was now being sorted.

Kent Highways Online Training    Cllr. Bate would attend a training session on the 19^th October.

Bike Railings in The Square    Cllr. Goodwin asked if these could be placed and discussion followed on a suitable location.   Cllr. Davison undertook to follow up.

     E

Law & Order    The Chairman gave details of the next Parish/Police Forum.   He also reported that a PACT meeting had been scheduled for the 10^th November.  

Lenham Valley Police Car   Harrietsham and Lenham Cllrs would meet with Insp Sandwell on the 19^th October to discuss the future of the vehicle.

     F

Environment   In the absence of Cllr. Greenwood the Clerk reported the following matters

Trees at Glebe Pond    Nuttall Hynes, the contractors undertaking work at Lenham Heath, had contacted the Parish Council to see if they could help with environmental work in the Parish at no cost to the Parish.  Cllr. Greenwood had met and they had agreed to do work to the trees at Glebe Pond and remove spoil from the Cemetery.   A letter of thanks had been sent to the Company.

Trees at Groom Way    Cllr. Greenwood was in contact with MBC’s Landscape Officer.

Street Cleaning   MBC were arranging a meeting with Parishes on the 28^th October to ascertain how the service could be taken forward.    Cllrs. Godfrey and Greenwood would be attending.

Recycling   Cllr. Goodwin reported that no further action could be taken regarding the placing of a bottle bank at the Texaco site as she had been informally advised that the Planning Officers would not give planning permission.   Following discussion it was agreed that Cllr Goodwin and the Clerk would liaise on a letter to be sent to MBC’s Chief Executive expressing the PC’s dismay at the BC’s attitude towards this project.    It was agreed that further consideration should be given to improving the existing site.   

Large Tomb in Churchyard   Cllr. Barr had inspected and felt that all that needed to be done was some work to the bottom of the tomb.    The vase was solid.

Rabbits in Cemetery   Cllr. Barr reported that nothing had yet been done as it had been too dry.

09/62

REPORTS FROM OUTSIDE MEETINGS

KCC:  Picnic Site    Cllr. Barr reported on the meeting.   The RFO had received notification that LPC would receive the £1300 annual maintenance grant.  

Communities in Control  The Chairman’s report of the meeting had been circulated to all Cllrs.

09/63

CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS

Ham Lane Play Area   Cllr. Younger detailed a quotation from Wicksteed Leisure for repairs to the equipment in the sum of £147.50 incl. labour and it was RESOLVED that this be accepted.   He also reported that MBC had removed the Teacup Twister on health and safety grounds.   He had contacted them as they had left a stump protruding and asked them to remove.   They had quoted £50 for this work and it was RESOLVED that this be accepted.   Wicksteed would replace the Teacup Twister as it was under guarantee.  Following discussion about inspections of play area equipment the Chairman undertook to seek advice from RoSPA.

Cherry Close Play Area    The Clerk reported receipt of the draft Lease from LPC’s Solicitor.   The Solicitor stated that he would be willing to work for the PC and asked that LPC confirm instructions.    The Solicitor’s costs would be £250/300+VAT and a Land Registry fee of £50.   It was RESOLVED that the F & GP Committee look through the terms of the Lease.

09/64

WORK TO NOTICEBOARDS  (09/47C)

The Chairman reported that he had obtained quotations for repair/refurbishment of all the Parish Council noticeboards.   It was RESOLVED that this be passed to the F & GP Committee for discussion and recommendation.

09/65

FUTURE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCES IN MAIDSTONE ROAD

The Chairman reported that he and Cllrs. Barr and Osborne and met with MBC who would take back the Parish Council’s comments and report back at a later date with their findings.

09/66

RENTING OF PITT FIELD

Cllr. Younger had queried if the PC’s rental charges should be increased.    Following discussion it was RESOLVED that no change be made.

09/67

VILLAGE OF THE YEAR COMPETITION

Following discussion it was agreed that the Parish Council would enter the Competition in 2010 and a Committee would be formed to organise the work involved.

The Chairman reminded Cllrs that it was 10.00 p.m. and asked if they wished to continue the Meeting.   It was agreed that the Meeting continue.

09/68

BT;  ADOPT A RED KIIOSK SCHEME

The Council considered the information received from BT and MBC and following discussion it was RESOLVED that no action would be taken to adopt the Red Kiosk in The Square.

09/69

KALC/KENT RURAL

Receipt reported of Parish News No. 342 and information from KRCC was passed to Cllr. Osborne.

09/70

ACCOUNTS

Cheques signed between Meetings

EDF Energy                              Pop-Up-Power to 23.8.09                                    £24.11

BT                                            Clerk’s phone acct.                                            £53.16

KALC                                        Copy Local Council Administration                      £59.00

T & S Lighting                            August maintenance                                          £29.72

Red Alert Ltd.                            Repair to CCTV camera & key board                   £796.38

Citizens Advice Bureau               August outreach session                                    £50.00

EDF Energy                              August energy                                                   £77.14

Salaries and expenses detailed as Appendix A and filed with the signed copy of these Minutes.

Cheques for consideration & payment

Citizens Advice Bureau               September outreach session                               £50.00

Mr. N. Godfrey                           Paint for BMX Park                                             £34.50

Thurnham PC                            KIG:  Professional fees July 2009                        £592.69

EDF Customers                         Lock-Up                                                             £23.05

EDF Energy                              Sept. energy                                                      £77.14

T & S. Lighting                           Sept. maintenance                                             £29.72

R. Greenwood                            Expenses                                                          £20.00

Natwest Bank (DD)                    Bank charges to 28.8.09                             £6.00

Amounts paid into Acct.

A. W. Court                                Purchased grave and interment fee                      £150.00

F.C. Wood                                Purchased grave and interment fee                      £150.00

Cleverley & Spencer                   Fee to erect headstone                                         £35.00

Cleverley & Spencer                   Fee to erect headstone                                         £35.00

MBC                                         Members Devolved Budget:  Citizens Advice         £250.00

Market Committee                     Contribution to Pop-Up-Power energy                     £22.96

Natwest Bank  (DD)                   Liquidity Manager interest to 31.7.09                       £4.00

            “                                             “          “           “       to 28.8.09                      £2.94

COMMUNITY CENTRE  

PWLB  (D/D)                             Repayment 1^st loan                                          £4592.92

Natwest Bank (DD)                    Bank charges to 28.8.09                            £6.00

It was RESOLVED that the accounts be approved and the cheques signed.

Donations   A letter of thanks for a donation to the Try Angle Awards had been received from Kent Youth Service

09/71

   A

   B

   C

   D

CORRESPONDENCE

Sustainable Communities Act   The following was reported:-

Cllr. Goodwin had responded to MBC on ideas for improving the lives of people in Maidstone .

The Local Works Campaign to implement the Sustainable Communities Act had asked that PCs request their MP to support the EDM.   The Clerk would contact the MP’s Secretary and ask for his support.   A request for a donation to continue the work had also been received.   No action to be taken.

MBC:  Youth Sport Achievement Awards 2009   Details passed to Cllr. Barr and Primary Schools.

MBC:  Rural Service Workshops   Details given of the recent Parish Liaison Meeting.   Further workshops would be held mid/late November.

KCC:  Mobile Library Service   Details given of proposals for the future of the service.

The meeting closed at 10.15 p.m.